End-of-train devices clamp onto the rear coupler, connect to the brake pipe and radio the rear pressure, motion and battery status to a display in the cab. A two-way EOT can also open the brake pipe from the rear on the engineer's command, so an emergency application starts from both ends at once. It carries a flashing red marker light, hence the nickname FRED, and it is what lets a freight run without a caboose.
EOT's armed and reading 87 on the rear, so we're good to start the air test.
An EOT that will not arm or loses communication brings operating restrictions until it is fixed or swapped.
Also heard as
- EOTD
- FRED
- rear-end device
Related terms
Brake pipe
The air line running the full length of a train that charges and controls every car's brakes.
Crummy
A caboose, the crew car at the rear of a freight train, with a cupola or bay window for watching the cars ahead.
Big hole
The emergency position of the automatic brake valve, which vents the brake pipe and stops the train as fast as possible.
Set and release
Applying the train's air brakes and then releasing them, the basic sequence of every air brake test.